Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2004 (No. 2)

Overview

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2004 (No. 2) was enacted to address the growing need for additional telecommunications numbers to meet the demands of Australia's expanding communication services industry. This legislative instrument was created by the Australian Communications Authority under subsection 3.39(1) of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. The primary policy objective of this amendment is to ensure an adequate supply of unique telecommunications numbers for various services by introducing new number ranges. By introducing new number ranges, the Declaration aims to accommodate the increasing number of telecommunications services and users in Australia, thereby facilitating efficient communication and service delivery.

Scope and Application

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2004 (No. 2) is an amendment to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000, made under subsection 3.39(1) of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. This legislative instrument pertains to the allocation and management of telecommunications numbers within Australia, specifically affecting the range of numbers from 1345 1000 to 1345 4999. This amendment extends to all entities and persons involved in the telecommunications industry who require allocation of these specific number ranges for their services. The geographic reach of this Act is nationwide, applying across all states and territories within Australia, thereby ensuring a consistent numbering plan throughout the country. The declaration specifies certain exclusions and amendments to the number ranges already designated, and it does not specify any particular exemptions or thresholds for its application. The Authority may further refine or extend the application of this Declaration through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the telecommunications numbering plan remains flexible and responsive to industry needs.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2004 (No. 2) pertain to the amendments made to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000, as outlined in Schedule 1. This Declaration introduces new number ranges to the plan, specifically those in the range 1345 1000–1345 1300, 1345 1302–1345 3900, and 1345 3902–1345 4999. These additions (section 3) are intended to expand the available pool of numbers for telecommunications services, ensuring there are sufficient numbers to meet the growing demand for telecommunications services in Australia. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily focused on the Australian Communications Authority (ACA), which is responsible for administering and enforcing the telecommunications numbering plan. The ACA must ensure that the new number ranges are correctly implemented and allocated, in accordance with the provisions of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. This includes ensuring that the new numbers are not duplicated and that they are allocated fairly and efficiently to service providers. Additionally, the ACA must monitor the use of these numbers to ensure compliance with the plan and address any issues that may arise. Breach of the provisions set out in the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2004 (No. 2) can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, breaches of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 can generally result in significant fines and, in more severe cases, criminal charges. The penalties for contravening the plan can be substantial, reflecting the importance of maintaining an orderly and efficient numbering system for telecommunications. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant precedents or guidelines set by the ACA or relevant courts.